McTominay is a limited footballer – and probably not Man United standard – but his heart, his sheer determination, was something to be admired, and it resonated with supporters.

This was not a game neither McTominay nor Andreas Pereira were meant to play, and both players went about their business as if it were their duty to show something extra to a raucous Old Trafford crowd, whenever they could.

Piece by piece, their snapping feet and inexhaustible lungs ground Liverpool’s midfield charge to a halt. They did their jobs.

And with both Ander Herrera and Matic injured, they may well get further chances to impress over the next few weeks.